Multiple Dogs vs one

[DuchesssMom]

Just looking for a little input from owners out there. Do you think it's better for the dogs to have two or more in the home versus having just one.
Do they 'need' as much attention from their humans, or do you have to divide your attention betweeen them?
Any input on are they happier with a playmate?

Thanks in advance for your opinion.:)

[tanza]

Yes the need as much attention as one… together and separate... I would say that on the average they like having a playmate... but some are happier being the only dog... Also remember, 2 is company, 3 is a crowd... in my experience odd numbers are usually not great...

[ChaseandZahrasmom]

We have two dogs and I think Chase (our Puggle and first dog) is happier that Zahra (our Basenji) is here. They are both equally spoiled and loved but they have each other to play with and cuddle with which is awesome.

Having two made me feel less guilty about doing homework at the dining room table; now they play with each other during that time! Before I always felt like I needed to spend every moment I was home with Chase because he seemed lonely.

I guess we are lucky that they get along so well and that is probably key to happiness with two. Zahra actually has seperation aniexty from Chase and is miserable without him, she screams and will keep searching for him. Never mind that I am the hand that feeds her! LOL!

[dash]

I have had the same experience as ChaseandZaharasmom.

[tasha]

We have three and have had no problems. Sophie is a little princess and only wants to play when she wants to play. She need more attention than the boys do. Because Sophie is so selective with her play time Buddy needed a pal. That's when we got Corky. Now Buddy has a playmate and Corky has a brother and a sister to steal things from.

[DuchesssMom]

I want to thank eacha and everyone of you for your input. The first time I had B's I had two, litter mates. They lived to be 15 and 17. Ten years passed before I got another one. This time a girl. Memories do dim, and I was trying to remember if two were better than one. Most of you agree that two works well. So again, thank you.

[Duke]

I felt that Duke (then 14 mos old) really needed a buddy to play with at home. He's so active and a real hound. So I decided to get him a play mate. We got Daisy 3 mos ago. She was only 2 mos old (now 5 mos old) They do have thier quarrels, but most of the time, they are quite a pair. They do lots doggy stuff together and I'm so glad that when they are home alone, they have each other.

[LeeL]

We got 2 litter mates as well and I think they are much better off for having a companion. They love to be around each other and chase each other in teh house and yard. We just got a 3rd and so far they seem to be taking it in stride. Having a new puppy around has made both the older dogs (6 years) much more active.

[nomrbddgs]

I must say two or three work better than one. When I first had Shadow he didn't do much-even when I got Sugar he played with her but now that I have Damisi they run around like idiots. And he actually goes outside a lot more. Bit brother protector of the little pest/buddy.

[vstripe]

I have to say it sounds like I am the only person that loves owning one basenji. I think its great I never have to worry about jealousy, quarrels, dividing my time, feeding in separate rooms, fights over treats, training comes easy and so on:) . I also really like the strong bond we have formed with our dog, plus I like how he has developed his own personality. When I go to the dog park and people have multiple B's they roam around in their pack like they have the same brain or something. They seem to have more of a "wild" feel to them that I dont much care for.
All that being said I admit the thought of one more has crossed my mind in the past, but for the time being we love having an only child:D

[Vegas]

I think 2 is easier, personally. At least 2 dogs, they don't both have to be a basenjis. I got my first basenji a poodle.

[DuchesssMom]

@vstripe:

I have to say it sounds like I am the only person that loves owning one basenji. I think its great I never have to worry about jealousy, quarrels, dividing my time, feeding in separate rooms, fights over treats, training comes easy and so on:) . I also really like the strong bond we have formed with our dog, plus I like how he has developed his own personality. When I go to the dog park and people have multiple B's they roam around in their pack like they have the same brain or something. They seem to have more of a wild feel to them that I dont much care for.
All that being said I admit the thought of one more has crossed my mind but for the time being we love having an only child:D

That's ok, to be Happy with just one. I feel a lot like you with my 'only'. But was just wondering about a playmate…I have really enjoyed all the input on the question. At present, I have to think...just one...but maybe a little down the road. I enjoy getting my emails about the one's up for adpotion. I am sure that would be the way I get another one.

[JeepJeep]

All your stories are so interesting to a dog person like me! I have usually had two dogs at a time, but for the past three years we just have had Jenny and I agree it is kind of neat to just have one dog. Like a boy and his dog, only it is a woman with her dog (and husband- she actually loves him more than I), which feels good somehow. She's been my best little girlfriend. But now that I have the basenji Rowdy, I have two dogs to love. Jenny is happy with Rowdy, and Rowdy is submissive to her. They run together and act quite friendly with each other, which is good. But I find myself missing my "one dog, one woman" dog.

[Barklessdog]

It really helped when we got our second dog. We did not have to constantly entertain the first one anymore. They are best buddies to a point. everyone gets a dog to snuggle with in the winter.